Approximately 14 years ago a relationship was established between Our Lady of Good Counsel and St. Kizito parish when then Dcn. Donald Leach and Parish Council President, Bill Tulloch traveled to the slums of Kampala, Uganda. This relationship was encouraged by OLGC’s former and beloved pastor, Fr. John Riccardo. Africa was the fastest growing Catholic community, and OLGC and Fr. John felt the call to participate in this growth.

In 2013, with generous parish support, a one-story medical clinic was built and basic medical services were offered for a nominal price or free of charge. Soon after it became clear that a second story was necessary to meet the demands of the residents in the slum community of Bwaiise, in the capital city of Kampala. A couple years later, through the generosity of OLGC and parishioners, a second story was built. Additionally, individual parishioners and others outside the church donated funds for different equipment that included a lab machine, solar panels, ambulance, and dental chair. There are continuous challenges, though. These include not only the physical construction of the Medical building, but also outfitting it with equipment, maintaining competitive staff payroll, finding pharmaceuticals, and continually increasing the service capabilities of the center. 

Since the inception of this partnership, a 3 story medical clinic has been built and a school sponsorship program has emerged, along with many more accomplishments both big and small. Anyone interested in learning more about the St. Kizito school sponsorship program is welcome to attend a Sponsor Reception on Thursday, March 23rd from 7pm- 8:30pm in the OLGC Church Social Hall.